Broomfield High freshmen join 'Eagle family'

Freshmen who walked through the doors of Broomfield High School for the first time on Thursday got a resounding message of support: Welcome to the Eagles' nest.

During freshmen orientation Thursday morning, students attended an assembly that welcomed them to their new school. Blue Crew leaders, who are upperclassmen who help freshmen find their way through BHS, urged freshmen to find their own unique paths through high school.

Before they can find their place in their new school, though, freshmen were mostly worried about a more immediate concern: Finding their way around.

"It might sound dumb, but the biggest thing is just figuring out where everything is," said Olivia Johnson, a freshman who comes from Stargate Charter School in Thornton.

Johnson already has plans for high school life: Meet with science teachers, join groups such as National Honor Society and try out for basketball and track. She wants to become a biologist and hopes to head down the right path in high school to make that happen.

All that will come after orientation, she said.

"It's such a big school" compared to her small middle school, she said. "But in some ways, that's good. I wanted a bigger school, so I could define myself beyond what people at my old school expected of me."

Teachers and Blue Crew leaders said their job is to help new students like Johnson navigate their identities as they navigate the school's hallways.

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Poms coach and science teacher Carrie Nitchoff wants freshmen to feel welcome in their new community, whether they become an Eagle who plays sports, an Eagle who is part of student government or an Eagle who joins other clubs.

"We want everyone to feel like they're part of the Eagle family," she said.

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